RS: What has been your hardest remix? Most proud of?
Nick: That's another hard question since every remix is so different from each other and each could present there own unique challenge but I would have to say a remix I did for a new artist on Arista by the name of Ana Victoria whose song was in 6/8 (swing) timing and I made the remix into a 4/4 house timing. As for what I'm most proud of... well, I'd like to say I'm proud of everything I do but I guess Britney Spears "Everytime" since it's the last mix we did.
RS: Who are you in the studio producing now?
Nick: Just completed a Janet Jackson remix, putting finishing touches on a Sherrie Lea album (one of our own artists who had a couple singles out on Robbins in the USA) and have a Sting remix to
attack.
RS: When is the new Sherrie Lea album coming out?
Nick: Hopefully really soon! We're just working on remixes of the first single and as soon as they're ready we'll release that with album to follow.
RS: Do you feel any urge to pursue underground dance music?
Nick: Always! I began doing "Underground" dance and my heart is always there but these days its become such a "small" market that I've had to expand into other more "accessible" areas of dance.
RS: How are you surviving as an indie with all the downturns - cd burning, mp3s, etc?
Nick: Well, there is no denying that the recent volatility in the industry has been a challenge but we've had to adapt and we have sort of settled into our own "niche " with our CD releases. Visit www.hibias.ca to check them out.
RS: Where have you been DJing lately?
Nick: Well, I have a weekly residency in Toronto club called Tazza but I do select DJ engagements all over the world.
RS: Is the Canadian dance scene different than the US scene? How about the European scene? How?
Nick: First off, unlike the USA, Canada has a relatively small and sparse population in relation to its huge land mass making the music scene very fragmented since the metropolitan cities are so far apart and don't really influence each other. Secondly, Canada is immensely muticultural and has very diverse cultures which affects all styles of music here. So what may be a hit in, let's say Toronto, will not necessarily work in Montreal or Vancouver. For that reason, I would say our dance music scene in particular is closer to Europe.
RS: How did you react to your induction into the CanDance Hall of Fame?
Nick: Of course I was totally honored. Its always great to be recognized by your peers.
RS: When I hear Canadian Dance Music - I think Widelife, Love Inc, etc - have you worked with any of them?
Nick: Actually, no. I haven't officially "worked' with either but I've certainly had dealings with Chris Sheppard in the past (the man behind Love Inc.).
RS: What advice do you have for up and coming producers/remixers out there?
Nick: One word...Perseverance.
